Microphones – Part Three

I decided after performing in the open air that it would be advisable to make one small change in the microphone I use for announcing the tunes, vocalizing and introducing the band. To wit, I wanted one I could actually turn on and off so that it would not be constantly live. To this end, I purchased a Shure SM-58 SLC.

These microphones use the exact same innards as the SM-57, but the have a different grill, designed more for vocals and they also have an on-off switch built in. I have yet to use this one in the public arena but I am looking forward to breaking it in. As I have been very satisfied with my SM-57, I do not expect to encounter any issues with the SM-58 either.

I have now essentially completed my microphone collection. I will use the SM-57 and SM-58 for my main everyday microphones. The Audio-Technica clip-on is reserved for uses such as when I need a horn mic, and the Chinese recording mic is now relegated to backup usage should one of the Shures go out on me. Since all of these are compatible with my new mixer, I do not expect to have any difficulties using any of them.

If I were to purchase another microphone, I would probably get one of the classic 55SH microphones, simply for the ambience it provides (not to mention the quality it is reputed to offer as well)! I do not need any further additions to my collection as I have no ambition of becoming a recording engineer – I merely wanted a pair of good microphones for the times I bring the band over and the public performances where I might need to provide a good-quality microphone. Though thee are rare, I hate using inferior gear and to that end purchased my own microphones. Combined with my MultiMix and my MacBook Pro, they give me an excellent recording base studio.

Prior to purchasing my new SM58 I did look at some other brands, but the Shure reputation was too much for me to pass up. I have been using these products on stage and in the studios for over thirty years and have never had any problems with them. Thus I went with the relibility factor, as opposed to purely looking at price. I want a tool that will stand up to the pounding it will inevitably receive in public. Shure had a reputation for being able to handle this kind of hard usage, so I determined that would be the brand I purchased.